Rafting to Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve from Haines

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration4h

GroupUp to 14

Mobile ticketAccepted

Float past thousands of bald eagles with your hands free for binoculars and camera

A small group rafting tour from Haines through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve combines a scenic 45-minute drive through glacier-lined valleys with a silent float trip down the river where the largest bald eagle congregation in the world feeds and nests. Your guide poles the raft while you watch for eagles, moose, otters, bears and wolves; the trip includes a picnic lunch and takes about four hours total.

The Experience

The day starts with a scenic drive from Haines toward the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, roughly 45 minutes through glacier-clad mountains and wildflower-lined highway. Once you reach the river in the heart of the Preserve, you'll put on a life jacket, listen to your guide's safety talk, and board the raft. The float itself is a scenic trip with no whitewater—your guide poles the raft along the silent channels while you keep your hands free for a camera or binoculars. You don't paddle; you watch.

You'll spend approximately one and a half hours floating the river. Thousands of bald eagles travel to the Preserve to feed on salmon in fall and winter; in spring and summer you'll see them nesting and raising their young. Your expert guide explains the balance of nature that makes this place unique, and points out other wildlife—moose, otters, brown and black bears, and even wolves call the Preserve home. The river itself is the habitat, and the raft moves through it quietly enough that you see animals in their own rhythm.

After rafting, your guide will select a scenic spot for a picnic lunch on the way back to Haines. The lunch includes a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fruit, a freshly baked cookie and water; vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours advance notice. Hotel guests provide their accommodation name for pickup; cruise ship passengers provide their ship name for the meeting location.

What’s included

Local guide who poles the raft and explains the ecosystem.
scenic 45-minute drive through the Chilkat Valley.
approximately one and a half hours floating the river.
picnic lunch with turkey sandwich, fruit, cookie and water.
life jacket and safety briefing.
hotel or port pickup in Haines.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Rainbow Glacier Adventures

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the raft intimate and the wildlife viewing unrushed—this works best for travelers who want to watch eagles and bears in their habitat without paddling, and who have a morning or afternoon free in Haines.